Online focus groups pay well for your time, but they are not available every day, and many of them are only for people in the US. These 11 sites are legit and free to join. Below I show who can join each one, when you can cash out and how it pays.
Three good online focus groups to start
-
#1 Survey Junkie
Best for: Surveys, plus a focus group now and then
It is mainly a paid survey site, so you keep earning between focus groups. When you do find a focus group, it pays very well for your time.
- Cash out from
- $5
- Paid via
- PayPal · Gift cards · Bank transfer (US)
-
#2 User Interviews
Best for: Online research studies, paid per study
It connects researchers with participants, and it has a decent number of studies at any given time. You are paid for each study you complete.
- Cash out from
- Nonepaid for each study
- Paid via
- PayPal · Bank transfer · Amazon gift cards +1 more
-
#3 Ipsos i-Say
Best for: Focus groups outside the US
It is available in around 100 countries, and you can earn with surveys when there is no focus group.
- Cash out from
- $5to $10depends on your country and the reward
- Paid via
- Gift cards · PayPal (some countries) · Venmo (some countries)
This is not a ranked list. Join several sites, because each one only has a focus group now and then.
On this page8 sections
Compare all 11 online focus groups for money
| Site | Who can join | Cash out from | Paid via | Join or read review |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US, Canada, UK, Australia · around 1 focus group a month | $5 | PayPal · Gift cards · Bank transfer (US) | ||
| Anyone, but most studies are for the US | Nonepaid for each study | PayPal · Bank transfer · Amazon gift cards +1 more | ||
| Around 100 countries · mostly surveys | $5to $10depends on your country and the reward | Gift cards · PayPal (some countries) · Venmo (some countries) | ||
| US only · focus groups every 3 to 6 months | $20virtual prepaid Visa card | Prepaid Visa · Check · Cash +1 more | ||
| Available globally · most studies in English-speaking countries | Nonepaid after each project; fee of 5% or $1 | PayPal | ||
| US only · many studies are in person | $101,000 points | Visa cards · Amazon gift cards | ||
| Seems to be UK only now | £5 | Gift cards · Visa gift cards | ||
| More or less worldwide · most studies for the US | Paid per studyone to two weeks after the study | Gift cards · Charity donation | ||
| Not clear yet · online via Zoom and in person | Not clear yet | Not clear yet | ||
| US only · focus groups and interviews | Paid per project | Digital gift cards on some projects | ||
| US only · mostly at a set location | Nonepaid after each study | Check |
No site on this list matches these filters.
11 Best online focus groups for money
Now that you know what to expect from this kind of earning opportunity, it’s time we discuss the actual sites you can join. Remember that these are not the only sites that offer this kind of opportunity. Instead, these are the sites I think are worth joining.
I will keep updating this list if I find new sites that are worth your time, so make sure to bookmark this page and check on it from time to time for new opportunities.
Another thing to note is that this list is not a prioritized list. So, don’t go thinking that the first site on this list is the best one and the last is the worst. It will still all boil down to your preferences and your needs.
#1 Survey Junkie
- Who can join
- US, Canada, UK, Australia · around 1 focus group a month
- Cash out from
- $5
- Paid via
- PayPal · Gift cards · Bank transfer (US)
Survey Junkie is mainly known as a paid survey site, and it offers plenty of ways to earn.
From time to time, you will encounter online focus group opportunities, but they will be few and far between though. Usually, you can find maybe around 1 focus group per month.
Read more
But since Survey Junkie offers other ways to earn, it’s a good way to earn extra cash. And once you do find a focus group to participate in, it pays very well for your time.
You can get paid in cash through PayPal or bank transfer, or you can convert your rewards to gift cards from Amazon, Walmart, iTunes, and more. You can also get paid via direct bank transfer if you live in the US.
Survey Junkie also has an app you can use so you can conveniently earn using your mobile device. The downside is that it is only available in the United States, Canada, UK, and Australia.
#2 User Interviews
- Who can join
- Anyone, but most studies are for the US
- Cash out from
- Nonepaid for each study
- Paid via
- PayPal · Bank transfer · Amazon gift cards +1 more
User Interviews is a website that connects researchers to participants. So, you will find online focus groups to participate in from time to time.
To sign up, you can use your LinkedIn or Facebook account or you can also just create your login details. You have to apply for a spot in their online focus groups, so there’s no guarantee you can earn from every opportunity they post.
Read more
They have a decent number of opportunities available at any given time, so there’s a good chance you will find something to earn from.
#3 Ipsos i-Say
- Who can join
- Around 100 countries · mostly surveys
- Cash out from
- $5to $10depends on your country and the reward
- Paid via
- Gift cards · PayPal (some countries) · Venmo (some countries)
Ipsos i-Say is primarily a survey site that also offers online focus groups as another way to earn. However, just keep in mind that online focus groups aren’t always available. So, if you encounter one, I would suggest you try to participate immediately.
Although the opportunity to participate in online focus groups will be few and far between, the good thing about this site is you can still earn by answering surveys. So, you actually won’t run out of ways to earn.
Read more
The site is available in many countries too, so there’s a good chance you will be eligible to register as a member of this survey panel. It pays via PayPal and you also have the option to convert your earnings to various gift cards depending on the country you live in.
#4 FF Focus Group
- Who can join
- US only · focus groups every 3 to 6 months
- Cash out from
- $20virtual prepaid Visa card
- Paid via
- Prepaid Visa · Check · Cash +1 more
FF Focus Group offers both online and in-person focus groups. At times, you can also find other paid research activities you can participate in like, for example, interviews, surveys, and product testing.
Some of the studies that take quite a bit of involvement can pay up to $300, but then you will also need to spend quite a bit of time, and most of the opportunities will pay less.
Read more
You can get paid in cash or via gift cards, depending on the projects you participate in.
Just be aware that it is only available if you live in the US.
#5 Respondent
- Who can join
- Available globally · most studies in English-speaking countries
- Cash out from
- Nonepaid after each project; fee of 5% or $1
- Paid via
- PayPal
Respondent is a crowdsourcing site that will pay you to participate in research activities. It offers in-person and online research activities, so you will find online focus groups to join from time to time.
It also has a referral program where you can earn a bit of money by inviting other people to join the site. You will get paid via PayPal every time you successfully participate in a research activity, which is very convenient, in my opinion.
Read more
It is available globally, but most of the opportunities are only for English-speaking countries. Therefore, if you live in a country where English is not the main language used, don’t expect to find a lot of opportunities to earn.
#6 Focus Group by Sago (previously Schlesinger)
- Who can join
- US only · many studies are in person
- Cash out from
- $101,000 points
- Paid via
- Visa cards · Amazon gift cards
FocusGroup.com is a site that offers online surveys and other research activities like focus groups and interviews. However, if you don’t live in the US, then this site is not for you since it is only available to US residents.
You can get paid via Visa cards, gift cards, and PayPal once you’ve earned at least 1,000 points which is equivalent to $10. It has a decent number of online opportunities, but the in-person activities are few and far between.
#7 Inspired Opinions by Sago / Schlesinger
- Who can join
- Seems to be UK only now
- Cash out from
- £5
- Paid via
- Gift cards · Visa gift cards
Another site owned by Sago (previously called the Schlesinger group) that also offers online focus groups is called Inspired Opinions.
It is primarily a survey site that will pay you for completing surveys, but it also offers other research activities that can be done online or in person.
Read more
You can also earn by inviting other people to join the site. Once you complete an earning opportunity, you will receive a Visa gift card, which will be sent to you via postal mail. The worth of the Visa gift card will be indicated in the brief for the activity you participated in.
The downside of this site is that it is only available in the US, so if you are not a US resident, then this site is not for you.
#8 Focus Insite
- Who can join
- More or less worldwide · most studies for the US
- Cash out from
- Paid per studyone to two weeks after the study
- Paid via
- Gift cards · Charity donation
Focus Insite is a market research company that connects you with researchers who are conducting studies. So, for you to earn from this site, you have to participate in any of the research studies it offers.
It offers various types of research studies, including focus groups. Some focus group opportunities require you to go to a specific location, but there are also online focus groups you can join.
Read more
It uses Tremendous as the platform for you to claim your rewards. You have the option to select a digital gift card or have a physical gift card mailed to you. You can also redeem cash via PayPal, Venmo, or ACH, depending on the country you live in.
It is available more or less worldwide, but most opportunities will be for people who live in the US, UK, or Canada.
#9 SIS International
- Who can join
- Not clear yet · online via Zoom and in person
- Cash out from
- Not clear yet
- Paid via
- Not clear yet
SIS International is a market research firm that provides customer insight, data collection, and strategy research services to its clients. It also offers focus group opportunities for people who want to earn.
Focus groups are conducted online via Zoom, but there are also in-person focus group opportunities available. The opportunities will be posted on their social media pages, so make sure to check the pages regularly.
Read more
It pays quite well, but it’s not quite clear which mode of payment they use. However, based on my experience, it will usually be something convenient like PayPal or a direct bank transfer.
#10 PRC Market Research
- Who can join
- US only · focus groups and interviews
- Cash out from
- Paid per project
- Paid via
- Digital gift cards on some projects
PRC Market Research is a market research firm that specializes in providing comprehensive market research and project management services. You can earn by participating in one of their research projects, like focus groups, interviews, and more.
It is only available in the US, so if you live somewhere else, this is not for you. It pays quite well per research project, so you can earn a decent amount from it.
#11 Probe Market Research
- Who can join
- US only · mostly at a set location
- Cash out from
- Nonepaid after each study
- Paid via
- Check
Probe Market Research is another website that offers focus group opportunities. Apart from focus groups, this market research firm also offers product testing and interviews as forms of research studies you can participate in.
It pays quite well per research study ($50 to $400 per study) you participate in, so you can earn a decent amount from it. It is only available in the US, so if you are not a US resident, this is not for you.
Online versus offline focus groups
There are two types of focus groups you can earn from: online focus groups and in-person (offline) focus groups. Both have good earning potential.
Online focus groups
You do not have to leave your house, and you save on gas and transportation. Your location is not a major concern. That is why I prefer them.
In-person focus groups
You can only join one if it is held in your area, and you pay for the trip. If there are some near you, they are a great and fun way to earn and meet people. I have done it several times and enjoyed it.
How much money can you earn?
You can earn a decent amount from online focus groups. They take a bit of time and some effort, so they pay well for your time.
Not available every day
Focus groups are not there every day, so do not expect to earn every day. Some pay a lot more than others, and it is not realistic to expect the highest pay from every focus group you join.
Spending money, not a living.
Focus groups are a good way to earn some spending money. Join several sites to get access to more focus groups and earn more.
How to get more focus groups
- Join several sitesEach site only has a focus group now and then, and many are only for the US. The comparison shows who can join each one.
- Fill out your profileEach focus group has its own requirements. Some are easy to qualify for, some are very hard.
- Apply quicklyWhen you get an invite, apply right away, because spots fill up. Read how to get started with focus groups and how to qualify for more surveys.
How I choose the sites on this list
I only put a site on this list when I have tested it myself. I test hundreds of sites every year, and I keep this list updated.
What I look at
- I have tested it myself
- Legit and free to join
- Pays well for your time
- Has online focus groups
What readers ask in the comments
This page has 21 comments since 2022, and I answered 10 of them. These are the questions that come up most, with my answers.
Are there focus groups for my country?Asked about 4 times
My answer: Some of the options above are for many countries, but I have not come across any specifically for India. You can check out my list of the best international sites, which are the ones you should go for.
What are the requirements to join a focus group?Asked about 1 times
My answer: It depends on the focus group. Each of them has its own requirements. Some are easy to qualify for, but some are very hard to qualify for. That is why I recommend joining several platforms.
How do I qualify for more surveys and focus groups?Asked about 1 times
My answer: You can read how to qualify for more surveys, and here is an article about how to get started with focus groups.
Do these sites have an app or an affiliate program?Asked about 1 times
My answer: Click to read the full review of each platform in the list, and you can see exactly what each of them offers. For example, Survey Junkie has both an app and an affiliate program.
Read the comments or ask your own question below.
Ready to start?
All of these sites are free to join. Focus groups need some time and effort, and each site only has one now and then. I recommend you join several sites, so you get access to more focus groups. For an easier way to earn, also join the top survey and GPT sites in your country.
I keep this list updated, so bookmark this page. Know a site that belongs here, or have a question? Leave a comment below.
Frequently asked questions
Are focus groups that pay legit?
Yes. All the sites on this list are legit and free to join, and I have tested them. Focus groups pay well because they take a bit of time and some effort. A legit focus group never asks you to pay to join.
Which focus group pays the most?
It depends on the study. Longer and more involved studies pay more, and some pay a lot more than others. FF Focus Group, PRC Market Research and Probe Market Research have studies that pay well, but they are only for the US and they are rare.
That is why I recommend joining several sites.
Can you make $100 a day taking surveys?
Not every day. A focus group can pay well for your time, but they are not available every day, so you cannot count on a daily amount. See focus groups as a good way to earn some spending money, not a way to earn a living.
Which survey site pays immediately?
Survey Junkie usually pays to PayPal more or less immediately once you cash out from $5. Respondent and Probe Market Research pay you after each study, with no payout threshold. The comparison shows how each site pays.
What are the best paid survey sites in the USA?
For focus groups, the US has the most options. Survey Junkie and User Interviews are good to start, and FF Focus Group, Focus Group by Sago, PRC Market Research and Probe Market Research are only for US residents.
What are the requirements to apply for these focus groups.
It depends on the focus group- Each of them will have its own requirements. Some are easy to qualify for but some are very hard to qualify for. That is why I, in the article above, recommend joining several platforms.
How about Malaysia any opportunities?
You can see the best options in Malaysia here.
Which of these options have mobile version. And do they have affiliate program.
You can click to read the full reviews of each platform in the article above and then read exactly what each of them offer. But, for example, Survey Junkie has both an app and an affiliate program.
Any focus group specifically for india or global ones
Some of the options above are for many countries, but I have not come across any specifically for India.
Currently many survey providers and gig are not going smoothly Mikael. Many audience including me Waiting for earning opportunities in their countries updated one as a series
If you use the best legit sites and do everything honestly, it should still go smooth. Thousands of my followers earn from the sites every day. You can see a list of the best survey sites and GPT sites in India here.
Okey
Thanks for visiting.
Sorry i meant What are paid surveys and focus group sites whose available to subscribe on around the world?
You can check out this list of the best international sites which are the ones you should go for.
Can I apply for your study and I want to join your group sir
I explain how to get started in the article above.
Good day,
I have questions for you.
1. What to say and not to say to get qualified for surveys, focus groups and paid research studies?
2. How to find and sign up with market research and survey companies and focus groups?
3. How to complete a questionnaire to apply to participate in surveys, focus groups, and paid research studies?
4, Things you should never say when completing a questionnaire.
You can read how to qualify for more surveys here.
And here is an article about how to get started with focus groups.
Can I apply the 2 articles in paid research studies too?
Muito obrigada
You are welcome.